Geoff Roberts, a representative from The United States Youth Cricket Association, visited Salisbury Academy on May 16 to teach middle students about the game of cricket during their physical education classes.
The students will continue to learn the game and play it at school. The students learned the history of cricket and strategies and techniques that are used in the sport. Students learned to properly bowl the ball, how to hit the ball, when to run between the wickets, how to add spin to a bowl in order to make it more difficult to hit the ball, and other fundamentals.
“The students enjoyed playing cricket because of its fast-paced action. The way the game is played in our class requires all students to be involved in order for the teams to be successful,” said Athletic Director and physical education teacher Daniel Bayer.
Cricket is a game that is popular in the United Kingdom and countries that were once British colonies. It is the second most popular sport in the world. It is played with bats, a ball and wickets. Two teams of 11 players each compete.
Each team takes turns batting and fielding. The bowler, a member of the team fielding, stands near one of the wickets.
The bowler then bowls the ball to the other wicket.
Roberts is originally from Australia, where he learned to play cricket. He now lives in Charlotte, where he participates in an adult cricket league.
In addition to the teaching the students about cricket, the USYCA graciously donated a cricket set to the physical education program at Salisbury Academy.
“We are extremely grateful to Mr. Roberts and the USYCA. The students were able to learn about a game that they may not have otherwise been exposed. We appreciate this gift and this opportunity,” said Coach Bayer.